In celebration of Hilton Worldwide's third annual Global Week of Service, October 19-25, more than two dozen volunteers from the British Colonial Hilton rolled up their sleeves and got down to work at The Salvation Army on Mackey Street. The community outreach on Tuesday, October 21 was the first in a series of week-long initiatives to be undertaken by employees of the resort.
The helpful hands of Hilton volunteers, who represented various departments within the hotel, sifted through an assortment of clothing items donated to The Salvation Army. Volunteers sorted 13 bags of clothing articles for kids and adults.
"We are beyond grateful to the British Colonial Hilton for extending its arms of care to our organization during its week of community outreach. We are always looking for extra pairs of hands and hearts to assist us in our daily outreach in the community and the team of volunteers, who helped to sort clothes and sit with our kids in the afterschool program, assisted us in more ways than you could imagine," said Melanese Coakley, community relations associate at The Salvation Army.
Community service is an integral part of Hilton Worldwide's culture, and acts of volunteerism occur year-round across its portfolio of 12 distinct brands and more than 4,200 properties.
"British Colonial Hilton efforts are a part of Hilton Worldwide's week-long annual community outreach. The company's commitment to serving and enriching the communities where we live, work and travel is vital. These efforts help to bring balance to our lives as a team and as individuals," said Rui Domingues, general manager at the British Colonial Hilton.
The Global Week of Service is Hilton Worldwide's largest annual volunteer service, which brings together team members from across Hilton Worldwide's offices and hotel properties. The undertaking helps to strengthen the company's connections with its local communities and bring team members closer together.
"I had no idea that The Salvation Army had such a major operation underway here. I now understand that the monies which it makes from selling donated clothing items are used towards funding its school program for the blind and its afterschool program as well. I'll definitely be back to continually lend my support," said Nathan Duncan, Cacique Award nominee for manager of the year at the British Colonial Hilton.
Services by The Salvation Army in The Bahamas touch up to 40,000 lives every year. The organization has two locations in New Providence and one in Grand Bahama. Its services include the Erin H. Gilmour School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, community computer labs, afterschool tutor programs, clothing and assistance to meet basic household needs, education and medical needs and traditional soup kitchens.
British Colonial Hilton volunteers will continue their outreach on Thursday, October 23. Two dozen volunteers will embark on an island-wide effort to distribute clothing and groceries to those in need.

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